Mountain biking enthusiasts know that each year brings advancements and innovations, pushing the boundaries of performance and enjoyment on the trails. For those passionate about off-road cycling, 2024 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. After meticulous evaluation and overwhelming community input, we’re excited to present the definitive list of the best 2024 Mountain Bikes. Singletracks readers and our expert editors have rigorously tested and voted, culminating in this guide to the top performers across various categories. From gravel paths to challenging enduro tracks, discover the bikes and components that are setting new standards in the mountain biking world this year.
Best Gravel Bikes of 2024
For riders who love to blend terrains, gravel bikes have become incredibly versatile, and the Santa Cruz Stigmata leads the pack as the best gravel bike of 2024. It’s no surprise that this model, favored by mountain bikers, takes the crown. The Stigmata stands out with its more relaxed head tube angle—less than 70 degrees—a feature that significantly enhances handling on steep and technical descents. This geometry is reminiscent of the confidence-inspiring designs found in mountain bikes, making it a top pick for adventurous gravel riders. Furthermore, with generous tire clearance accommodating up to 50mm tires, the Stigmata is adept at tackling not just gravel but also singletrack trails, offering a truly dual-purpose experience.
Gravel Bike Runner-Up: Salsa Cutthroat
The Salsa Cutthroat emerges as a strong runner-up in the gravel category. Sharing a sub-70° head tube angle with the Stigmata, the Cutthroat also leans into mountain bike geometry for enhanced stability and control. This design choice makes it particularly popular for long-distance bikepacking adventures, such as the demanding Tour Divide route. Its geometry and robust build allow it to comfortably navigate varied terrains, often alongside dedicated mountain bikes, proving its capability and endurance for the long haul.
Best Cross-Country Bikes of 2024
The line between cross-country and trail bikes continues to blur, and the Revel Ranger perfectly embodies this evolution. Revel markets the Ranger as a downcountry bike, but its 115mm of rear suspension travel positions it closely to XC race bikes, albeit with a twist. Despite its efficient pedaling platform, the Ranger, as noted in reviews, exhibits trail bike characteristics, offering a balanced ride that’s both fast and fun. The Canfield Balance Formula (CBF) suspension is key, allowing riders to effectively use every bit of the travel, ensuring optimal performance whether climbing or descending.
Cross-Country Bike Runner-Up: Specialized Epic
The Specialized Epic, a name synonymous with cross-country racing, received a significant update this year, reinforcing its position as a top XC contender. With 120mm of travel both front and rear, the latest Epic is lighter than ever, thanks to refined suspension kinematics and modern geometry. This eighth iteration of the Epic is designed for speed and efficiency, catering to racers and riders who prioritize maximum performance on cross-country trails.
Best Trail Bikes of 2024 and Editor’s Pick
The Revel Rascal not only clinched the title of best trail bike of 2024 based on reader votes but also earned the coveted Editor’s Pick. The double win underscores the exceptional qualities of this bike. While some might speculate about rigged voting—especially with two Revel bikes topping their categories—the Rascal’s performance speaks for itself. Having personally tested the V2 Revel Rascal, our editor confirms its excellence and well-deserved accolades. The CBF suspension design is again a standout feature, paired with Revel’s meticulous attention to frame finishes and component selection, making the Rascal a truly outstanding short-travel trail bike.
Trail Bike Runner-Up: Ibis Ripley
The Ibis Ripley, another perennial favorite in the trail bike category, continues to impress as the runner-up. Updated for 2024, the Ripley now shares a frame with its longer-travel sibling, the Ripmo, streamlining the Ibis lineup. Maintaining 130mm of DW-Link rear suspension, the newest Ripley incorporates modern features like in-frame storage and refined geometry. The updates also focus on delivering improved size-specific fits, ensuring optimal performance and comfort for a wider range of riders.
Editor’s Pick All-Mountain Bike of 2024
For the Editor’s Pick in the all-mountain category for 2024, the Specialized Stumpjumper stands out. With 150mm of front and 145mm of rear suspension travel, the Stumpjumper expertly bridges the gap between trail and all-mountain capabilities. Our editor’s review lauded the Stumpjumper 15, noting its unparalleled capability and refinement after testing over 100 mountain bikes. This model is exceptionally versatile, ready to tackle a broad spectrum of trails, making it a top choice for riders seeking a do-it-all mountain bike.
Best All-Mountain Bikes of 2024
Colorado-based Canfield Bikes has cultivated a dedicated following, and the Canfield Tilt exemplifies why, earning the title of best all-mountain bike of 2024. This bike clearly resonates with riders passionate about all-mountain adventures. Featuring 150mm of front and 138mm of rear travel, the Tilt combines progressive geometry with the efficient CBF suspension design. Although updates since 2021 have been minor, the Tilt’s enduring popularity is a testament to its well-engineered design and trail-ready performance.
All-Mountain Bike Runner-Up: Ibis Ripmo
The Ibis Ripmo secures the runner-up position in the all-mountain category, mirroring the Ripley’s success in the trail segment. Riders appreciate the Ripmo for many of the same reasons they favor the Ripley—balanced handling, efficient suspension, and robust construction. Recent updates have only enhanced these qualities, making the Ripmo an even more compelling choice for all-mountain riding.
The Pivot Switchblade also deserves a special mention in the all-mountain category. This model garnered votes nearly on par with the Ripmo, indicating its strong appeal and performance. Testing the third-generation Switchblade revealed its exceptional descending capabilities paired with efficient climbing, making it a versatile and highly capable all-mountain option.
Best Enduro Bikes of 2024
When it comes to tackling the most demanding descents and enduro races, the Yeti SB165 stands out as the best enduro bike of 2024. Launched this spring, the SB165 incorporates mixed wheel sizes, 165mm of Switch Infinity rear suspension, enhanced frame stiffness, and increased ground clearance. These features combine to create an enduro race machine built for speed and control in the most challenging conditions.
Enduro Bike Runner-Up: Santa Cruz Megatower
The Santa Cruz Megatower remains a top contender in the enduro category, recognized as the runner-up for 2024. While not substantially updated since 2022 aside from new color options, the Megatower continues to be a highly sought-after enduro bike among Singletracks readers. Its 165mm VPP rear suspension system is highly capable, and for riders seeking even more travel, it can be increased to 170mm with a longer-stroke shock, further enhancing its downhill prowess.
Best MTB Components of 2024
The best mountain bikes are only as good as their components, and 2024 has seen remarkable advancements in MTB technology. From updated dropper posts to innovative brakes and drivetrains, the components released this year elevate the riding experience. Here are the top MTB components of 2024, as chosen by Singletracks readers and editors.
BEST MTB DRIVETRAIN FOR THE MONEY: Shimano XT. For drivetrain value, Shimano XT is the clear winner, overwhelmingly chosen by Singletracks readers. It strikes an ideal balance of reliable performance and reasonable cost. A complete XT drivetrain offers high-level functionality without breaking the bank, making it a smart choice for performance-focused riders.
EDITOR’S PICK MOUNTAIN BIKE DRIVETRAIN: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission. In the editor’s pick for drivetrains, the SRAM GX Eagle Transmission shines. Having tested multiple levels of SRAM’s new wireless transmission system, the GX Eagle Transmission delivers exceptional performance. Its T-type design simplifies installation and maintenance, making it a top recommendation for any mountain bike build, offering pro-level technology at a more accessible price point.
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE BRAKES: Shimano XT. Shimano XT brakes again take the top spot, favored by readers for their consistent stopping power, ease of maintenance, and excellent overall value. Despite not receiving recent updates, their proven track record and reliability keep them at the forefront of mountain bike brake technology.
EDITOR’S PICK MTB BRAKES: SRAM Maven Ultimate. For the ultimate in braking performance, the SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes are the editor’s choice. Tested rigorously, these brakes set a new benchmark for stopping power. The Maven Ultimates offer revolutionary control and modulation, making it hard to revert to standard brakes once experienced. Even lower-tier Maven models deliver impressive stopping power and quiet operation, showcasing the line’s overall excellence.
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TIRE, FRONT: Maxxis Minion DHF. The Maxxis Minion DHF remains the gold standard for front mountain bike tires. Its predictable cornering and wide array of available specifications allow riders to fine-tune their front-end grip and performance. The Minion DHF’s versatility and consistent performance across various conditions solidify its top position.
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TIRE, REAR: Maxxis Minion DHR II and Continental Kryptotal Re (tie). In a notable tie, the Maxxis Minion DHR II and Continental Kryptotal Re share the title for best rear mountain bike tire. The DHR II complements the DHF front tire, creating a popular and effective tire combination. The Continental Kryptotal Re, a newer entrant, has quickly proven its merits, rivaling the DHR II in performance and grip, making it a compelling option for riders seeking a high-traction rear tire.
BEST DROPPER POST: Fox Transfer. Fox Transfer dropper post continues to lead the category. Fox’s updates this year focused on enhancing bushing and seal technology, improving both performance and long-term reliability. The latest Transfer posts also feature adjustable travel options, with models offering up to 240mm of drop, catering to the demands of modern trail riding.
BEST TUBELESS TIRE SEALANT: Stans. Despite numerous options in the market, Stans tubeless tire sealant remains the preferred choice among Singletracks readers. Performance testing consistently ranks Stans as a top performer, underscoring its effectiveness and reliability in preventing flats and maintaining tire pressure in tubeless setups.
In conclusion, 2024 is a landmark year for mountain biking innovation, with significant advancements in both bikes and components. Whether you are seeking a gravel grinder, a cross-country racer, a trail shredder, an all-mountain explorer, or an enduro machine, the 2024 mountain bikes highlighted here represent the pinnacle of performance and design. Combined with the best components of the year, riders are equipped to tackle any trail with confidence and enhanced enjoyment.
